Welcome to your independent guide to the British army.
There’s advice for parents too, and also for serving soldiers who want to leave the army.
Every week, 500 visitors come here to get the facts before they sign up.
Based on the questions we get most often.
Read More “Top FIVE questions to ask yourself before you sign up”
There’s plenty to love and to hate about the army, say most soldiers…
How many soldiers would recommend army life to their civvie mates?
After the first few months you are ‘locked in’ to the army for at least four years, sometimes longer.
You get a better deal from joining at 18 or older. Here’s why…
Army training is intense. Find out why, how it works, and what you can expect.
The college is graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted but has had some problems.
Most soldiers get through training but a lot leave or are thrown out.
Any soldier might have to kill. Some soldiers are more likely than others to kill in war, especially the infantry.
This depends on the kind of job the soldier has and how often they’re sent to war, but the main risks aren’t what you might expect…
Many women enjoy army life, but sexual harassment and assault is very common.
Read More “I’m female and want to join the army – what do I need to know?”
A lot depends on the kind of job you sign up for. Some army jobs can lead to courses in a trade, others don’t offer very much.
Not usually, no. The job you sign up for is the one you should expect to keep.
If you join the army, the jobs you get to choose from depend on how fit you are when you apply – in mind and body.
Read More “How fit do you have to be to join the British army?”
If soldiers get through training then they stay in the army for an average of about 8 years. That’s a lot longer than most people in other jobs.
In the army medical, you’ll be asked in detail about your medical history. Here’s what you need to know.
The army’s leaders are trying to deal with racism but it’s still a common experience for many.
Are you ready to deal with any bullying in the army? Most soldiers aren’t bullied but it does happen and it can be rough.
Soldiers often complain about their pay, saying it doesn’t make up for the hardships of the army, though there are a few perks.
Like all marketing tools, the army site tells you the good stuff (and there is some good stuff) and leaves out the bad.
Ask your recruiter all the same questions as you find here – compare the answers.
Visit these sites to find out more about army life from (very) different points of view:
If your child wants to join the army aged 16 or 17 then they’ll need your permission first. There are good reasons to wait until your child turns 18, which is what many parents do. Whichever choice you make, this page is based on the questions we’re most often asked.
Read More “My child wants to JOIN the army – what should I do?”
If your child wants to leave the army and they’re not yet 18 then they can, but there are some restrictions. If your child is already 18 then it’s more difficult. Either way, this page will guide you through your options.
Read More “My child wants to LEAVE the army – what can I do?”
Before You Sign Up 